Spicy Olive Tapenade

Appetizers can be tricky.  On the surface they seem like an easy throw together in 5 minutes kind of snack, but I’m convinced that the definition is simply a ruse to put such an important responsibility on an unsuspecting guest at a dinner party. However, I have the solution to all your problems if you find yourself in a compromising position with the given responsibility of brining an appetizer to a friend’s get together: olive tapenade. Delicious, ridiculously easy, and a definite crowd pleaser (expect for those who don’t like olives, I guess).

I recently hosted a dinner party at my good friend Jason’s apartment, with the intention of not only feeding some good friends of mine, but to also take advantage of his incredible photography skills. You can thank him the next at least 6 blog posts with incredible photos.

Check out his work at 10:10:5 Productions

He not only takes amazing photos of prepared food, but he’s an incredible writer, director, and producer! THANK YOU JASON!

½ pound mixed olives, mostly kalamata

¼ cup capers, rinsed

¼ cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, chopped,

Grated zest of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Combine all ingredients in a food processor for about 15-20 seconds, or until desired consistency reached .